German luxury leather label MCM has recently opened its first flagship store in Japan as well as a new unique concept store in Seoul called MCM SPACE. The Tokyo flagship store is located in the Ginza district and the store design embodies the brand’s key values such as tradition meets innovation and craftsmanship. A kaleidoscope and a circular windbreaker inspired the design of the entrance, whereas the back entrance to the store embraces customers who bring their furry friends along by using facilities such as dog-leash holders. Divided into two sections that are connected via a bridge, the store stocks their Heritage, Premium, womenswear, menswear and their iconic backpack collections.

MCM SPACE is located in the bustling and trendy Myeong-Dong district in Seoul, and is designed to allow visitors to use all five senses to experience the brand’s past, present and future. Spread over four floors and 7,000 square feet, the large exterior media façade showcased MCM campaigns and images. A space rocket model greets visitors inside the store, and an exhibition set in a space-age environment is dedicated to MCM’s famous backpack and allows visitors to customize their own MCM pattern. The second floor is for VIPs only, whereas the third floor is a shopping space-cum-party area where DJs are regularly playing and artwork by artist Yong Kyu Kim is showcased. The rooftop garden is home to more artworks and performances by emerging artists. –Babette Radclyffe-Thomas